Ridable kart

ABSTRACT

A ridable kart can have a body that supports a front wheel and movable rear wheels. The kart can include a motor that supports and drives the rear wheels. The motor and rear wheels are configured to tilt and rotate relative to the body of the kart. The body of the kart includes a concave space in which the front and rear wheels are positioned so that they are at least partially concealed by the body when viewed from the side of the kart.

CROSS-REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/839,409, filed Dec. 12, 2017, which claims a priority benefit underat least 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Patent Application No. 62/434,236,filed Dec. 14, 2016, the entirety of each of which is herebyincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND Field

Embodiments of the invention relate generally to ridable vehicles and,more specifically, to a ridable kart that provides a visual effect whenridden.

Description of the Related Art

Riding on vehicles such as go karts or toy karts is a popularrecreational activity. Karts have become popular among many age groupsand there are many different kart variations and designs. Conventionalkarts generally have at least three wheels and some type of steeringmechanism. Other kart designs include four or more wheels. Kart designshave also become more compact and convenient. With the increase in kartpopularity, there has also been a significant increase in the demand forkarts of varying sizes. There has also been an increase in the demandfor karts with visual features and designs that provide visual oraesthetic effects.

It is desirable that a kart allow a rider to steer and direct the kartwithout the complicated steering mechanism and numerous parts requiredin typical steering arrangements. Also, it is desirable that some kartsprovide a visual effect when ridden, especially those karts intended foruse by children.

SUMMARY

An aspect of one or more embodiments involves the realization that it isdesirable to allow a smaller rider to ride on a kart and for the kart toprovide a visual effect. An aspect of one or more embodiments of a kartis to provide the visual effect or appearance that the kart is floatingor hovering above the riding surface instead of being supported bywheels that roll along the riding surface. Another aspect of one or moreembodiments is that the kart can be steered simply by the rider leaningand without turning a steering wheel or handlebars. Such a steeringconfiguration can greatly reduce the costs for manufacturing and parts.Such configurations can also make the kart more reliable and safer foruse by small children. Therefore, the current arrangements in the priorart for ridable vehicles or karts are unsuitable or could be improved ormade more desirable.

Preferred embodiments of a kart have a body that supports a rider. Thebody can include a bottom portion that supports at least a front wheeland two rear wheels. In some configurations, the wheelbase is narrowerthan the body so that the wheels are at least partially hidden orconcealed from the view of persons observing a rider on the kart. Insome configurations, the front, back and sides of the kart body define ahorizontal boundary and the wheels of the kart are positioned within thehorizontal boundary so that none of the wheels are visible from directlyabove the kart.

Some embodiments of the present kart are configured to provide a fixedfront wheel and movable rear wheels to allow for steering by leaning asa user rides on the kart. Preferably, the rear wheels are supported by amotor and the motor is rotatably movable relative to the body of thekart. The kart can include a compressible material between the motor andthe body that allows the motor to move relative to the body so that therear wheels can move for steering purposes.

A preferred embodiment is a ridable vehicle or kart. The kart includes abody, comprising a top portion having a seat portion configured toreceive a rider in a sitting position. The body also comprises a frontportion having a front edge, a rear portion having a rear edge, a firstside portion having a first side edge and a second side portion having asecond side edge, wherein the first side edge, second side edge, frontedge and rear edge define a horizontal boundary. The body also includesa bottom portion arranged to face a riding surface and having at leastsome concavity. First and second handle members are supported by thebody and in a position accessible to a rider, and at least one of thefirst and second handle members have a switch. A front wheel issupported by the bottom portion of the body and positioned along thecentral longitudinal axis of the body. A motor assembly is movablysupported by the bottom portion of the body so that the motor assemblycan rotate relative to the body, the motor assembly including anelectric motor. A first rear wheel and second rear wheel are supportedby the motor assembly and driven by the electric motor, and the firstrear wheel is on the same side of the kart as the first side edge andthe second rear wheel is on the same side of the kart as the second sideedge. The front wheel and first and second rear wheels are positionedwithin the horizontal boundary. A battery is supported by the bottomportion of the body and a controller is supported by the bottom portion,the battery being configured to provide power to the motor. The firstrear wheel is at least partially concealed by the first side edge whenviewed from the side of the kart and the second rear wheel is at leastpartially concealed by the second side edge when viewed from the side ofthe kart. The closest distance between the first side edge and the firstrear wheel is greater than one inch and the closest distance between thesecond side edge and second rear wheel is greater than one inch.

In some configurations, the motor assembly includes a compressiblematerial between the electric motor and the bottom portion of the body.In some configurations, the motor assembly includes a stop member andthe body includes a fixed member, and the stop member interacts with thefixed member to limit the amount of movement of the electric motorrelative to the body of the kart. In some configurations, the closesthorizontal distance between the front wheel and the front edge is morethan two inches.

In some configurations, the closest horizontal distance between thefront wheel and the first side edge is more than three inches, and theclosest horizontal distance between the front wheel and the second sideedge is more than three inches. In some configurations, the closestdistance between the first rear wheel and the rear edge is more than oneinch.

In some configurations, the first handle member includes a first switchand the second handle member includes a second switch, and a rider mustengage the first switch and the second switch at the same time in orderfor power to be transferred to the motor to drive the first and secondrear wheels.

In a preferred embodiment, a ridable vehicle comprises a body having atop portion with a seat portion configured to receive a rider in asitting position, a front portion having a front edge, a rear portionhaving a rear edge, a first side portion having a first side edge and asecond side portion having a second side edge. The body also includes abottom portion facing a riding surface of the ridable vehicle and firstand second handle members supported by the body and in a positionaccessible to a rider. The vehicle also includes a front wheel supportedby the bottom portion of the body, and the orientation of the frontwheel is fixed relative to the body. A motor assembly is movablysupported by the bottom portion of the body so that the motor assemblycan rotate relative to the body, the motor assembly including anelectric motor. A first rear wheel and second rear wheel are supportedby the motor assembly and driven by the electric motor. The first sideedge, second side edge, front edge and rear edge define a horizontalboundary, and the front wheel and first and second rear wheels arepositioned within the horizontal boundary.

In some configurations, the motor can rotate relative to the body andthe motor assembly includes a compressible material between the motorand the bottom portion. In some configurations, the vehicle alsoincludes a rear axle supported by the motor assembly and operablycoupled to the first and second rear wheels so that the first and secondrear wheel rotate about the axle.

In some configurations, the closest distance between the first rearwheel and the closest of the first and second side edges is more thanone inch. In some configurations, the closest distance between the frontwheel and the closest of the first and second side edges is more thantwo inches. In some configurations, the body at least partially concealsthe front wheel and the first and second rear wheels when viewed fromthe side of the ridable vehicle.

A preferred embodiment of a kart includes a body, comprising a deckportion configured to support a rider, a front edge, a rear edge, afirst side edge and a second side edge, and a bottom portion facing ariding surface of the kart. The kart also includes a handle membersupported by the body and in a position accessible to a rider. The kartalso includes a front wheel supported by the bottom portion of the body.The kart includes a motor assembly that is movably supported by thebottom portion of the body so that the motor assembly can rotaterelative to the body, and the motor assembly includes an electric motor.The kart also includes a first rear wheel and second rear wheelsupported by the motor assembly and driven by the electric motor. Thefirst side edge, second side edge, front edge and rear edge define ahorizontal boundary, and the front wheel and first and second rearwheels are positioned within the horizontal boundary. The front wheeland first and second rear wheels are positioned inward from thehorizontal boundary by at least one inch.

In some configurations, the motor can rotate relative to the body andthe motor assembly includes a compressible material between the motorand the bottom portion. In some configurations, the kart also includes arear axle supported by the motor assembly and operably coupled to thefirst and second rear wheels so that the first and second rear wheelrotate about the axle.

In some configurations, the front wheel is positioned inward from thehorizontal boundary by at least two inches. In some configurations, thefirst and second rear wheels are positioned inward from the first andsecond side edges by at least 1½ inches. In some configurations, thebody at least partially conceals the first and second rear wheels whenthe kart is viewed from the side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention are described below with reference to drawings of a preferredembodiment, which is intended to illustrate, but not to limit, thepresent invention. The drawings contain 13 figures.

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a kart havingcertain features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the kart of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the kart of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the kart of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the kart of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a motor assembly for a kart having certainfeatures, aspects, and advantages of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the motor assembly of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a kart having certain features, aspects,and advantages of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is rear view of the kart of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is top view of the kart of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the kart of FIG. 8.

FIG. 12 is a front view of the kart of FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the kart of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, terms of orientation such as“top”, “bottom”, “upward”, “downward”, “inward”, “lower”, “front”,“frontward”, “rear”, “rearward”, “outer”, and “end” are used to simplifythe description of the context of the illustrated embodiments. Likewise,terms of sequence, such as “first” and “second”, are used to simplifythe description of the illustrated embodiments. However, otherorientation and sequences are possible, and the present invention shouldnot be limited to the illustrated orientation(s). Those skilled in theart will appreciate that other orientations of the various componentsare possible.

For the purposes of this disclosure, embodiments of personal mobilityvehicles will be referred to as “karts”, but it will be understood bythose with ordinary skill in the art that the present invention extendsbeyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and references to karts toother alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention andmodifications and equivalents thereof. In particular, while the presentvehicles and related methods have been described in the context ofparticularly preferred embodiments as it relates to karts, the skilledartisan will appreciate, in view of the present disclosure, that certainadvantages, features and aspects of the systems and methods may berealized in a variety of other applications, including personal mobilityvehicles other than karts with different arrangements of front and rearwheels, for example, scooters, skates and other riding applications.

In a preferred embodiment, a kart includes a body or base having a rearend and a front end. The body includes a deck and a seat portion that isconfigured to receive a seated rider. The body supports a front wheeland at least two rear wheels. The body includes a front edge, a rearedge, and side edges that define a horizontal outer boundary. The frontwheel and the rear wheels are positioned within the horizontal boundaryand underneath the body. Preferably, the edges of the body conceal orobscure at least a substantial portion or an entirety of the frontand/or rear wheels when viewed from the side or slightly above thedirect side view. Similarly, the edges of the body preferably conceal orobscure at least a substantial portion or an entirety of the frontand/or rear wheels when viewed from the front or rear, or slightly abovethe direct front or rear views. Embodiments of the kart are describedbelow with reference to FIGS. 1 through 7. In the illustratedarrangements, the kart includes a front wheel and two rear wheels,however, arrangements in which the illustrated arrangement is reversedor in which the kart has multiple front wheels and multiple rear wheelsare also possible. It is also contemplated that the kart has only asingle front wheel and a single rear wheel.

FIGS. 1 through 5 illustrate a kart having certain features, aspects andadvantages of the present invention. The kart includes a body 10, whichincludes a deck with a seat portion 20 configured to allow a rider to beseated thereon. The body 10 preferably is relatively flat and elongate.In some configurations, the body 10 has a relatively low height incomparison to its length or its width. For example, the height of thebody 10 can be less than or equal to about one-half of the length or thewidth. In some configurations, the height of the body 10 is less thanabout 24 inches, less than about 18 inches or less than about 12 inches.Such arrangements can provide the kart with the appearance of arelatively flat vehicle or object that “floats” or “hovers” above thesurface over which it is operated. For example, the body 10 can beshaped to resemble a magic carpet or a hovercraft. In someconfigurations, the body 10 is configured such that the user is seatedon the kart with his or her feet forward of the seat portion 20 and ator near a level of the seat portion 20. In other words, the body 10 isconfigured to place the user close to the ground without the user havinghis or her feet significantly below the seat portion 20.

The body supports at least one front wheel 22. The body 10 also supportsat least one rear wheel 24. In a preferred embodiment, the body 10supports two rear wheels 24 and in other embodiments it can support morethan two rear wheels. The rear wheels 24 are coupled to the bottom ofthe body 10. In some embodiments, the rear wheels 24 are movably coupledto the body so that they can move relative to the body 10 in addition tobeing able to rotate about their wheel axes. Preferably, the rear wheels24 are located below the body 10 and toward a rearward end of or behindthe seat portion 20. In some embodiments, the body 10 curves upward orextends upward at its rear end behind the seat portion 22.

Preferably, the body 10 also includes at least one handle member 26accessible to a rider while the rider is seated on the kart. In someembodiments, the kart includes two handle members 26, one adjacent toeach side of the kart. Preferably, the handle members 26 each include abutton, switch or other user control 28 that controls the powerdelivered to the rear wheels. Preferably, the switches or buttons 28 onthe handle members 26 are configured so that a rider must press orengage both switches or buttons 28 at the same time in order to allowpower to be delivered to the rear wheels. This provides additionalsafety to the kart for young children because it encourages or requiresa rider to have both hands on the handle members 26 in order to providepower to the rear wheels 24 which makes the kart move. In otherembodiments, only one of the handle members includes a button or switchto control the power. The buttons 28 are positioned on the handlemembers at a location that is accessible to the hands of a rider.

The kart also includes a motor assembly having a motor 30. The motor 30can be of any suitable arrangement. For example, one such arrangementcan be a hub motor, such as that shown and described in Applicant's U.S.Publication No. 2015/0133253 or application Ser. No. 14/709,916, filedMay 12, 2015, the entireties of which are incorporated by referenceherein. In such an arrangement, the motor 30 can drive either of thefront or rear wheels 22, 24. Preferably, the motor 30 is an electricmotor that is powered by a battery 50. The battery 50 is supported bythe bottom portion of the body 10 and is a rechargeable battery.Preferably, the battery 50 is operably coupled, by wiring or otherwise,to a controller 54 that is also supported by the bottom portion of thebody 10. The controller 54 is configured to control the power deliveredfrom the battery 50 to the motor 30. Preferably, the controller 54includes an on/off switch and is operably coupled to the button 28 of atleast one of the handle members 26. The controller 54 can allow power tobe delivered from the battery 50 to the motor 30 and rear wheels 24 whenone or both of the buttons 28 are engaged by the rider. As shown, thebattery 50 is positioned forward or more towards the front portion ofthe body 10 than the motor assembly and motor 30. The motor ispositioned adjacent the rear portion of the body 10 and between the rearwheels 24.

As illustrated, the motor assembly and motor 30 support an axle 32 thatsupports the rear wheels 24. Preferably, the axle 32 passes through aportion of the motor 30 and includes a gear or sprocket that is drivenby the motor 30. The motor assembly and motor 30 are coupled to thebottom portion of the body 10 in a way that allows the motor 30 to moverelative to the body 10. Preferably, the motor 30 can rotate relative tothe body 10 and the rear wheels 24 can each move fore and aft relativeto the body 10. The motor assembly includes a stop member 34 and thebody 10 includes a fixed member 40. The stop member 34 extends from themotor assembly or motor 30 and engages the fixed member 40 in order tolimit the amount or type of movement of the motor 30 relative to thebody 10. Preferably, the stop member 34 contacts the fixed member 40when the motor 30 rotates to a certain degree relative to the body 10.This can limit the amount of rotational movement of the motor 30relative to the body 10.

Preferred embodiments of the kart can also include anti-sway oranti-roll members 44 supported by the bottom portion of the body 10. Theanti-sway members 44 are configured so that they do not contact theriding surface when the kart is in normal operation. In other words,when the kart is horizontal and supported by the front wheel 22 and rearwheels 24, the anti-sway members 44 extend from the body 10 to a pointabove the riding surface and do not influence the driving or movement ofthe kart. When the kart inclines to a certain angle side to side, one ofthe anti-sway members 44 will touch the riding surface so as to preventthe kart from further inclination and possible toppling. The anti-swayconfiguration is particularly advantageous for vehicles provided withonly one front wheel 22. The selected distance from the anti-swaymembers 44 to the riding surface is designed on the basis of a desiredanti-sway angle. The anti-sway members 44 can be wheels, as illustrated,or they can also be pillars or blocks or other stop members that canslide along the riding surface if necessary. The anti-sway members 44are also preferably at least partially concealed by the body 10 when thekart is viewed from the side. In some embodiments, the kart alsoincludes a second set of anti-sway members supported by the body 10toward the rear of the body 10.

The kart has a body 10 that includes a front portion with a front edge18 and a rear portion with a rear edge 19. The body 10 also includes afirst side portion with a first side edge 16 and a second side portionwith a second side edge 17. Preferably, these edges are the outer edgesor outer most portions of the body 10, and the front edge 18, rear edge19, and side edges 16 and 17 define an outer horizontal boundary of thebody 10. It is not required that the edges be straight or have a certaincurvature. Instead, the edges can have any shape or profile and stilldefine the outer horizontal boundary of the body. Preferably, each ofthe front and rear wheels 22 and 24 are positioned within thishorizontal boundary defined by the front, rear and side edges 16, 17,18, 19. Each of the wheels 22 and 24 can have a closest distance to eachof the edges, the closest distance being the measured distance or spacebetween the portion of the edge closest to the wheel and the portion ofthe wheel closest to the edge.

The body 10 can also have a concave space within the horizontal boundarydefined by the edges. This concave space or area can be defined by abody 10 that curves downward at its outer edges, or it can be a concavespace or recess in an otherwise flat or convex bottom portion of thebody 10. The motor 30, rear wheels 24 and front wheel can be supportedwithin this concave space so that they are at least partially concealedby the body 10 when the kart is viewed from a directly horizontal sideview or from an angle higher than the horizontal side view. As shown inFIG. 3, when viewed from the side, the body 10 conceals at least the topportions of the front wheel 22 and the rear wheels 24. The illustratedbody 10 also conceals the majority of the anti-sway members 44.

Preferably, the edges 16, 17, 18, 19 are spaced from the ground or othersurface upon which the kart is operated a distance sufficient to providethe appearance of the kart “floating” or “hovering” above the surface,but are located close enough to the ground or other surface so that thewheels 22, 24 that support the kart under normal operation can be hiddenor obscured by the body 10. That is, the anti-sway members 44, 45 arenot necessarily obscured, although they may be in some configurations.In some configurations, the edges 16, 17, 18, 19 are spaced at leastabout 1 inch from the ground or other surface. In some configurations,the edges 16, 17, 18, 19 are spaced at least 2 inches from the ground orother surface. In some configurations, the edges 16, 17, 18, 19 arespaced between about 2-4 inches from the ground or other surface. Insome configurations, some or all of the wheels 22, 24 that support thekart under normal operation are inset from one or more of the edges 16,17, 18, 19 a distance of at least about 1-3 times a height of that edge16, 17, 18, 19 from a flat surface upon which the kart rests. Thewheel(s) 22, 24 can be inset from a portion of the edge 16, 17, 18 19that is adjacent the wheel 22, 24 at least about 1-3 times the height ofthat portion of the edge 16, 17, 18, 19 from the flat surface upon whichthe kart rests.

With reference to FIG. 4, measurement or distance A defines the closestdistance between the rear wheel 24 closest to the second side edge 17.This can be the same distance as the distance from the rear wheel 24closest to the first side edge 16. Distance A is preferably sufficientto create the appearance that the kart is “floating” or “hovering” aboutthe ground or surface upon which the kart rests. In some configurations,distance A is sufficient to allow the body 10 to conceal or obscure asubstantial portion or an entirety of some or all of the wheels 22, 24that support the kart under normal operation. That is, the anti-swaymembers 44, 45 are not necessarily obscured, although they may be insome configurations. In some configurations, the distance A is greaterthan zero and in some embodiments can be any distance between zero andten inches. In other embodiments, the distance A is approximately threeinches or greater. In the illustrated embodiment, the distance A isbetween approximately two and three inches. In yet another embodiment,the distance A is between three and five inches. The distance A can beat least 15%, 20% or 25% of a width of a portion of the body 10, such asa portion at or near the relevant wheel 24.

Measurement or distance B defines the closest distance between the rearwheel 24 and the rear edge 19. Distance B is preferably greater thanzero and in some embodiments can be any distance between zero and teninches. In other embodiments, the distance B is three inches or greater.In the illustrated embodiment, the distance B is between approximatelyone and two inches. In yet another embodiment, the distance B is betweenapproximately two and five inches. The distance B can be at least 5%,15% or 25% of a length of a portion of the body 10, such as a portion ator near the relevant wheel 24.

Measurement or distance C defines the closest distance between the frontwheel 22 and the front edge 18. Distance C is preferably greater thanzero and in some embodiments can be any distance between zero and teninches. In other embodiments, distance C is approximately three inchesor greater. In the illustrated embodiment, distance C is betweenapproximately three and four inches. In yet another embodiment, distanceC is between approximately four and eight inches. The distance C can beat least 15%, 20% or 25% of a length of a portion of the body 10, suchas a portion at or near the relevant wheel 24.

Measurement of distance D defines the closest distance between the frontwheel 22 and the second side edge 17. This can be the same distance asthe closest distance from the front wheel 22 to the first side edge 16.Distance D is preferably greater than zero and in some embodiments canbe any distance between zero and twenty inches. In other embodiments,distance D is approximately four inches or greater. In the illustratedembodiment, distance D is between approximately four and six inches. Inyet another embodiment, distance D is between approximately six and teninches. The distance D can be at least 15%, 30% or 45% of a width of aportion of the body 10, such as a portion at or near the relevant wheel22.

In the illustrated embodiment, the front wheel 22 is positioned alongthe central longitudinal axis of the kart and body 10. Preferably, thefront wheel 22 is supported by the body 10 and is fixed relative to thebody 10 so that it does not move significantly relative to the body,other than the wheel rotating about its axis. Preferably, the frontwheel 22 is pointed in the straight forward direction and does notchange orientation relative to the body 10. In other preferredembodiments, the front wheel 22 is configured to pivot and rotaterelative to the body 10 in order to assist in steering the kart.

With reference to FIG. 5, embodiments of the kart are configured so thatthe rear wheels 24 or front wheel 22 are not visible when the kart isviewed at a certain angle above horizontal, such as a flat surface onwhich the wheels 22, 24 that support the kart during normal operationrest. For example, angle F illustrates the angle relative to horizontalat which the rear wheel 24 is no longer visible. This angle could be thesame for both rear wheels 24 and their visibility beneath the body 10. Asimilar angle could be illustrated for the front wheel 22 showing theangle relative to horizontal at which the front wheel 22 is not visiblefrom the side of the kart. Preferably, angle F is equal to or less than80 degrees. In some embodiments, angle F is between 80 degrees and 20degrees. In other embodiments, angle F is approximately 20 degrees orless. In the illustrated embodiment, angle F is between approximately 30degrees and 60 degrees and closer to 45 degrees. The corresponding anglefor the front wheel 22 is preferably less than or equal to 70 degreesand in certain preferred embodiments is less than angle F. In theillustrated embodiment, the corresponding angle for the front wheel 22is between approximately 10 and 40 degrees and is closer to about 20degrees. The angle F is shown with respect to one side, but can equallyapply to the other side and to the front and rear sides of the kart.

FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate an embodiment of a motor assembly that can besupported by the body 10 and configured to drive the rear wheels 24. Themotor assembly includes a motor 30 that is preferably an electric motor,but could be another type of motor such as a gas motor. The motor 30 caninclude an opening 71 that receives an axle between the rear wheels 24.The motor assembly also includes a stop member 34 that extends away fromthe motor 30 and is sized and shaped to engage a fixed member 40 on thebody 10 of the kart. Preferably, the stop member 34 has two prongs and aslot between the two prongs through which the fixed member 40 can pass.Such an arrangement limits the amount of rotational movement of themotor 30 relative to the body 10 as the prongs of the stop member 34engage the fixed member 40.

The motor assembly also includes an attachment assembly that couples themotor 30 to the body 10. The attachment assembly includes a couplingportion 64 that couples the motor 30 to the body 10. Preferably, thecoupling portion 64 extends through at least a portion of the body 10and is securely attached to the motor 30. The motor assembly alsoincludes a rigid portion 66 that is positioned between the motor 30 andthe body 10. In some preferred embodiments, the motor assembly furtherincludes a compressible member 62 positioned between the motor 30 andthe body 10. The compressible member 62 is configured to allow the motor30 to be securely coupled to the body 10 and still permit the motor 30to move relative to the body 10. For example, the compressible member 62can be compressed by portions of the motor 30 to allow the motor 30 totilt or rotate relative to the body 10. This tilting and/or rotating ofthe motor 30 can also allow the rear wheels to tilt and/or rotate sothat a rider can steer the kart by leaning from side to side. Forexample, when a rider tilts to the left, the left portion of thecompressible material 62 is compressed and the body 10 can tilt relativeto the rear wheels 24 and the rear wheels 24 can rotate slightly toallow turning of the kart towards the left. The compressible member 62can be made from any compressible material. For example, it could bemade from rubber, silicon, gel, liquid, or any other material thatallows the member to be compressed enough to allows movement of themotor 30 relative to the body 10.

FIGS. 8 through 13 illustrate another embodiment of a kart havingcertain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention. Thekart includes a body 110 that has a deck with seat portion 120configured to allow a rider to be seated thereon. The body supports afront wheel 122 and two rear wheels 124. The rear wheels 124 are coupledto the bottom of the body 110. Preferably, the rear wheels 124 aremovably coupled to the body 110 so that they can move relative to thebody 110 in addition to being able to rotate about their wheel axes.Preferably, the rear wheels 124 are located below the body 110 andtoward a rearward end of or behind the seat portion 120. The body 110also includes two handle members 126 accessible to a rider while therider is seated on the kart. The handle members 126 each include abutton or switch 128 that controls the power delivered to the rearwheels 124. Preferably, the switches or buttons 128 on the handlemembers 126 are configured so that a rider must press or engage bothswitches or buttons 128 at the same time in order to allow power to bedelivered to the rear wheels. The buttons 128 are positioned on thehandle members at a location that is accessible to the hands of a rider.

The kart also includes a motor assembly having a motor 130. Preferably,the motor 130 is an electric motor that is powered by a rechargeablebattery (not shown). Preferably, the battery is operably coupled, bywiring or otherwise, to a controller (not shown) that is also supportedby the bottom portion of the body 110. The controller is configured tocontrol the power delivered from the battery to the motor 130.

As illustrated, the motor assembly supports an axle 132 that supportsthe rear wheels 124. Preferably, the axle 132 passes through a portionof the motor 130 and includes a gear or sprocket that is driven by themotor 130. Preferably, the motor assembly and motor 130 are coupled tothe bottom portion of the body 110 in a way that allows the motor 130and rear wheels 124 to move relative to the body 110, as described withregard to the previous embodiments. Although not shown in these figures,the motor assembly and motor 130 can be coupled in a similar or samemanner as the embodiments described above with a compressible member andstop member to both allow and limit the relative movement between themotor 130 and the body 110. Preferably, the motor 130 can rotaterelative to the body 110 and each of the rear wheels 124 can move foreand aft relative to the body 110. The motor assembly can also include astop member and fixed member to limit the amount of relative movementbetween the motor 130 and the body 110, as described in the previousembodiments. The kart can also include anti-sway or anti-roll memberssupported by the bottom portion of the body 110, as described in theprevious embodiments.

The body 110 includes a front portion with a front edge 118 and a rearportion with a rear edge 119. The body 110 also includes a first sideportion with a first side edge 116 and a second side portion with asecond side edge 117. Preferably, these edges are the outer edges orouter most portions of the body 110, and the front edge 118, rear edge119, and side edges 116 and 117 define an outer horizontal boundary ofthe body 110. Each of the front and rear wheels 122 and 124 arepositioned within this horizontal boundary defined by the front, rearand side edges 116, 117, 118, 119. Each of the wheels 122 and 124 have aclosest distance to each of the edges, the closest distance being themeasured distance or space between the portion of the edge closest tothe wheel and the portion of the wheel closest to the edge. The body 110has a concave space within the horizontal boundary defined by the edges.The motor 130, rear wheels 124 and front wheel 122 are supported withinthis concave space so that they are at least partially concealed by thebody 110 when the kart is viewed from a directly horizontal side view orfrom an angle higher than the horizontal side view. As shown in FIG. 11,when viewed from the side, the body 110 conceals at least the topportions of the front wheel 122 and the rear wheels 124.

With reference to FIGS. 9, 11 and 13, measurement or distance J definesthe closest distance between the rear wheel 124 closest to the firstside edge 116 and the first side edge 116. This can be the same distanceas the distance from the rear wheel 24 closest to the second side edge117 and the second side edge 117. Distance J is preferably greater thanzero and in some embodiments can be any distance between zero and teninches. In other embodiments, the distance J is approximately threeinches or greater. In the illustrated embodiment, the distance J isbetween approximately four and six inches. Measurement or distance Kdefines the closest distance between the rear wheel 124 and the rearedge 119. Distance K is preferably greater than zero and in someembodiments can be any distance between zero and ten inches. In otherembodiments, the distance K is three inches or greater. In theillustrated embodiment, the distance K is between approximately one andthree inches.

Measurement or distance L defines the closest distance between the frontwheel 122 and the front edge 118. Distance L is preferably greater thanzero and in some embodiments can be any distance between zero and teninches. In other embodiments, distance L is approximately three inchesor greater. In the illustrated embodiment, distance L is betweenapproximately two and four inches. Measurement of distance M defines theclosest distance between the front wheel 122 and the second side edge117. This can be the same distance as the closest distance from thefront wheel 122 to the first side edge 116. Distance M is preferablygreater than zero and in some embodiments can be any distance betweenzero and twenty inches. In other embodiments, distance M isapproximately four inches or greater. In the illustrated embodiment,distance M is between approximately four and six inches.

In the illustrated embodiment, the front wheel 122 is positioned alongthe central longitudinal axis of the kart and body 110. Preferably, thefront wheel 122 is supported by the body 110 and is fixed relative tothe body 110 so that it does not move significantly relative to thebody, other than the wheel rotating about its axis. Preferably, thefront wheel 122 is pointed in the straight forward direction and doesnot change orientation relative to the body 110.

With reference to FIG. 9, the kart is configured so that the rear wheels124 or front wheel 122 are not visible when the kart is viewed at acertain angle above the horizontal. For example, angle H illustrates theangle relative to horizontal at which the rear wheel 124 is no longervisible. This angle could be the same for both rear wheels 124 and theirvisibility beneath the body 110. A similar angle could be illustratedfor the front wheel 122 showing the angle relative to horizontal atwhich the front wheel 122 is not visible from the side of the kart.Preferably, angle H is equal to or less than 80 degrees. In someembodiments, angle H is between 80 degrees and 20 degrees. In otherembodiments, angle H is approximately 20 degrees or less. In theillustrated embodiment, angle H is between approximately 20 degrees and60 degrees and closer to 35 degrees. The corresponding angle for thefront wheel 122 is preferably less than 70 degrees and in certainpreferred embodiments is less than angle H. In the illustratedembodiment, the corresponding angle for the front wheel 122 is betweenapproximately 10 and 40 degrees and is closer to 25 degrees.

Although the embodiments of the invention presented herein have beendisclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples,it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the inventionextends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to otheralternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obviousmodifications and equivalents thereof. Thus, it is intended that thescope of the invention herein disclosed should not be limited by theparticular embodiments described above, but should be determined only bya fair reading of the claims that follow.

1.-19. (canceled)
 20. A ridable vehicle comprising: a body, comprising:a top portion having a seat portion configured to receive a rider in aseated position; a front portion having a front edge; a rear portionhaving a rear edge; a first side portion having a first side edge and asecond side portion having a second side edge; and a bottom portionconfigured to face a riding surface; a first and a second handle member,each of the first and second handle members coupled to the body and in aposition accessible to the rider; a first and a second front wheelcoupled to the bottom portion of the body; a motor assembly including amotor; a rear wheel configured to be driven by the motor; a batteryconfigured to provide power to the motor; and a plurality of outriggerwheels positioned laterally outward of the rear wheel, wherein theplurality of outrigger wheels are spaced apart from the riding surfacewhen the vehicle is moving in a straight line and the riding surface isflat; wherein the vehicle is configured to be steered by the riderleaning, without turning a steering wheel.
 21. The vehicle of claim 20,further comprising a switch disposed on the body, wherein the switch isconfigured to control the power delivered to the motor.
 22. The vehicleof claim 21, wherein the switch is disposed on at least one of the firstand second handle members.
 23. The vehicle of claim 20, wherein the bodyhas a height and a width and the height of the body is less than orequal to one-half of the width of the body.
 24. The vehicle of claim 20,wherein the rear wheel is disposed below the body and behind the seatportion.
 25. The vehicle of claim 20, wherein the body curves upward atthe rear portion.
 26. The vehicle of claim 20, wherein the first sideedge, second side edge, front edge, and rear edge define a horizontalboundary, and the front wheels are positioned within the horizontalboundary.
 27. The vehicle of claim 26, wherein the rear wheel is coupledto the motor assembly and positioned within the horizontal boundary. 28.The vehicle of claim 20, wherein the rear wheel is at least partiallyconcealed by the first side edge when viewed from a side of the vehicle.29. The vehicle of claim 20, wherein the motor assembly is rotatablerelative to the body and includes a compressible material between themotor and the bottom portion of the body.
 30. A ridable vehiclecomprising: a body, comprising: a top portion having a seat portionconfigured to receive a rider in a seated position; a front portionhaving a front edge; a rear portion having a rear edge; a first sideportion having a first side edge and a second side portion having asecond side edge; and a bottom portion configured to face a ridingsurface; a first and a second handle member, each of the first andsecond handle members coupled to the body and in a position accessibleto the rider; a front wheel coupled to the bottom portion of the body; amotor assembly including a motor; a rear wheel configured to be drivenby the motor; a first and second outrigger wheel, each of the first andsecond outrigger wheels positioned laterally outward of the front wheeland the rear wheel; and a battery configured to provide power to themotor; wherein a diameter of the rear wheel is larger than a diameter ofeach of the front wheel and the first and second outrigger wheels. 31.The vehicle of claim 30, wherein the diameter of each of the first andsecond outrigger wheels is smaller than the diameter of the front wheel.32. The vehicle of claim 30, wherein when the vehicle is moving in astraight line and the riding surface is flat, the first and secondoutrigger wheels are spaced apart from the riding surface.
 33. Thevehicle of claim 30, further comprising a switch disposed on the body,wherein the switch is configured to control the power delivered to themotor.
 34. The vehicle of claim 30, wherein the rear wheel is disposedbelow the body and behind the seat portion.
 35. The vehicle of claim 30,wherein the body curves upward at the rear portion.
 36. A ridablevehicle comprising: a body having a height and a width, the bodycomprising: a top portion having a seat portion configured to receive arider in a seated position; a front portion having a front edge; a rearportion having a rear edge; a first side portion having a first sideedge and a second side portion having a second side edge; and a bottomportion configured to face a riding surface; wherein a peripheral flangeextends downwardly along at least the first and second side edges; afirst and a second handle member, each of the first and second handlemembers coupled to the body and in a position accessible to the rider; afront wheel coupled to the bottom portion of the body; a motor assemblyincluding a motor; a rear wheel configured to be driven by the motor; abattery configured to provide power to the motor; and a plurality ofoutrigger wheels positioned laterally outward of the front wheel and therear wheel, wherein the plurality of outrigger wheels are spaced apartfrom the riding surface when the vehicle is moving in a straight lineand the riding surface is flat; wherein the body is configured toreceive the rider's feet at a position forward of the seat portion andat a similar level as the seat portion; and wherein the height of thebody is less than or equal to one-half of the width of the body.
 37. Thevehicle of claim 36, wherein the vehicle is configured to be steered bythe rider leaning, without turning a steering wheel.
 38. The vehicle ofclaim 36, further comprising a switch disposed on the body, wherein theswitch is configured to control the power delivered to the motor. 39.The vehicle of claim 36, wherein the height of the body is less than 12inches.